STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Our state Senator and Assemblyman, both long time supporters of
gay marriage, have been chosen to reign

as grand marshals of our LGBT Pride Parade and Festival on June 2. The
parade starts off at noon by the St. George Theatre and winds up at
Tompkinsville Park for a festival starting at 1 p.m.

Sen. Savino has been a straight ally of our community and
gave an impassioned plea for the Marriage Equality bill from the Albany
chambers. She has never waived over the years for support of Marriage
Equality. Assemblyman Matt Titone is our only openly
gay elected official on Staten Island. He told his own feelings to other Assembly
members to win their support for the bill. Since its passing last June, Matt
has taken advantage of the Marriage Equality bill to marry his long time
partner. Matt has said he would not accept being grand marshall until he was
legally married.

State Sen. Diane Savino

The announcement of the grand marshals took place on May 19 in the
Staten Island LGBT Community Center. Entertainment for the kickoff event
was provided by Mario & Louise, the musical duo performs at Angelina's on
Staten Island; A. I. Firefly, you can hear them on www.wearefireflies.net; and Anne
Guinta on the guitar.

Guests were also treated to a reading from former Islander, playwright Richard Sheinmel, His latest play is "Lost in Staten Island, More
Tales of Modern Living" coming to LaMaMa Playhouse, Manhattan, June
15-July 1, When Rick was younger he marched with the Staten Island Lambda group
in the Gay Pride parade with his mother Joyce Wendell. For information, go to www.sheinmel.com

Refreshments for the evening were provided by Moe's Southwest
Grill, 2397 Hylan Blvd, New Dorp; Docks Clam Bar & Pasta House, Tottenville,
and from Paul Scamardella of Cafe Del Monde, 2530 Victory Blvd, Willowbrook. We
are grateful to these merchants for their generosity and encourage you to
support them in return.

The kickoff
was presented jointly by SIPE, Staten Island Pride Events, thanks to
Gerard, Nancy and Michelle. Along with The Staten Island LGBT Community
Center headed by Ralph Vogel who also dedicated a plaque listing the Grand
Marshals that will hang in the Center. About 100 attended the event and a
good time was had by all.